Fashion Videos

Bridal Dresses Catalog

Party Wear Dresses Catalog


Casual wear Dresses Catalog


Saries Catalog


Gowns Catalog


Abaya Catalog


Tunics (Kurities, cholies) Catalog

Sari - South Asian Tradition Dress

The sari is a traditional Indian dress that has been around from as way back as 2800 – 1800 BC. It was mainly because Hindu culture was against wearing any cloth that was pierced with a needle to be impure that woven, pure cotton saris were worn. As these 6 yard cotton saris turned out to be rather plain, silk and other threads were used in weaving saris of exquisite designs and patterns.
Saris have differed in its length, and were first worn wrapped about the waist, and draped over the shoulder. The same style is followed today by most Hindus where the navel is usually bare. As it was believed that the source of life and creativity was the navel, it is usually kept bare.
Saris help emphasize the woman’s body where small waists and large hips and breasts are admired. Saris were also a favorite amongst temple dancers as it provided them with free movement, while maintaining the modesty of the body. In addition to this, saris helped in accommodating hot climates.
The sari is also a reflection of cultural diversity where different patterns and colors have specific meanings and implications. White saris are usually worn during rituals and for mourning as it is considered to be a pure color. Brides usually wear red saris as red represents valor and it is worn because of its emotional, fertility and sexual implications.
Green saris were first worn by merchant classes; however it is today most popular amongst Muslim groups. This is why Muslim brides usually wear this color. The blue sari is generally associated with the working class like weavers, artisans and farmers. This was because the fermentation process for creating this color was thought to be impure, which made high caste Hindus avoid this color.
Black saris are usually avoided as it reflects sorrow, and is a sign of bad omens while the yellow sari is considered to be the color of religion. This is why new mothers wear yellow saris for seven days, with the birth of their child. Even brides and grooms are covered by a yellow paste on the first day of their Black saris were a reflection of sorrow and bad omens. This color is usually avoided.Yellow saris are regarded as the color of religion. New mothers will wear a yellow sari for seven days after the birth of their child. Even brides and grooms are usually covered in a yellow paste on the first day of their wedding. Saris with elephants represent water, royalty and fertility while paisley saris symbolize fertility. Courtship and passion are symbolized by parrot saris while fish saris represent fertility and lots of food and wealth. This is why many women in coastal regions wear fish saris. Saris with conches symbolize warriors as each warrior has a conch during wartime.
Though saris were first worn independently, it was with British influence that women started wearing petticoats and blouses with saris. However though the sari has been modernized, saris are still worn during rituals and special functions. Moreover with the new designs, patterns and fabrics used in saris today, saris are also worn more as a fashionable accessory.